Voices on holiness from the Evangelical association

Front matter

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Preface

Here is another new book for the Christian public. It is not a connected discussion of the subject of which it treats, and j r et the reader will find its theme extensivelydiscussed in a variety of ways, by the different authors whose voices here speak. Aside from the preface, the introduction, and the necessary links with which the different divisions and subjects have been connected, nothing has been expressly written for this book except a few experiences.

My object in making a book of this kind was to show what the views of the Evangelical Association are, as held and publicly expressed by our leading men, through all the history of our Church, and I am glad to know that a great deal more has been written and published among us in defence of holiness as a personal experience than could possibly be compressed within the limits of this volume.

In copying or quoting from these numerous writers, I have been careful to let them express their views in their own language. The translations from the German, of which I have made quite a number, may seem rather literal because of this purpose.

These Voices on Holiness were fraught with blessings to those who heard or read them as originally made public from the pulpit and by the press, and it is intended that, by means of this reproduction of them, they shall live on to encourage others to walk in the King's highway of holiness.

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I don't expect every reader to approve of all that is here written, but that is no concern of mine. Having had the most satisfactory assurance, all along, of God's approval, I am content to submit to the judgment and criticisms of men.

Should, however, the reader discover any serious defects, let it be remembered that the entire work of this compilation was done in the space of about one hundred days, the compiler having at the same time performed all his ordinary duties of editing the Living Epistle, and the English Sunday-school periodicals of his Church.

With no pretensions but that of a plain, simple statement of (rod's truth, this humble volume is sent forth to bless its readers, and to glorify our exalted Redeemer.

Introduction

It was a happy thought that induced Rev. H. J. Bowman to compile the "Voices on Holiness " from the Evangelical Association, and thus unite them into one melodious harmony and marshal them before his readers in a grand chorus, rehearsing most acceptably a glorious theme. Some of these "Voices " were heard many years ago, but their authors " have gone before to the other shore," and their pens are at rest, and, hence, the present rising generation has been almost entirely deprived of their utterances. But now comes this book, and presents these precious treasures to the young, as well as the older members of the Evangelical Association, for their benefit and appreciation.

•Voices on Holiness" will be very valuable as a repertory and a book of reference, concerning what Evangelical authorities have said on the vital doctrine of holiness. It will, therefore, also be a valuable addition to the library of every preacher in this Church, and of every family in the Connection ; for. certainly, they all ought to acquaint themselves with what the Church says, as well as what the Bible teaches, on this subject.

This book shows clearly that the fathers and authorities of the Evangelical Association laid great stress upon the doctrine and realization of entire sanetification. They were not satisfied with the beginnings of salvation, so as to rest' in them; they insisted that

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believers, and preachers especially, should "goon unto perfection" ! Preaching Christ, they taught emphatically that he is made unto us sanctification as well as wisdom, righteousness, and redemption, and in this they proved themselves excellent practical theologians. And their work was, also in this respect, abundantly owned and blessed by the Great Master.

The attentive reader of this volume will find that sanctification or holiness is viewed chiefly in its experimental and practical aspects, or in other words as inward and outward and hence personal holiness. This is highly Scriptural. Neither the Bible nor our Church recognizes an antinomian holiness, that consists in theory and formal profession only while the person remains unholy ; nor do they teach that we are holy in Christ by construction, or a sort of an "imputation," while impurfc in ourselves; but they insist that tve should be holy. " Be ye holy, for I am holy" says the Holy One of Israel. And this holiness pertains to "all the heart," and " all manner of conversation," — (" living " says the Eevision) in a word to the whole inward and outward life.

But while insisting earnestly on subjective, practical holiness we must ever remember that all true holiness must and can only come by faith from the objective source : the glorified Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As branches are fully and uninterruptedly united with the vine, and are thus filled with life and sap which produces abundant fruit, so we must be united spiritually with the "True Vine." Thus abiding in Him, hew ill abide in us, and we shall bring forth much fruit to the glory of the Father (John 15). Then

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" Christ is our life," " Christ in us the hope of glory." He then keeps pure and invigorates the inner man, from which results, certainly, an outward holy life. This prevents, on the one hand, a mere outward pharisaic sanctimoniousness, and, on the other hand, one-sided, selfish fanaticism. Christ before us, as the pattern, and Christ in us. as the life and controlling power, will be a perfect regulator, and' make holiness entire and symmetrical. — And to Him will be given all the glory in our life and confession. " That according as it is written : He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

"A?id the very God of peace sanctify you wholly ; and 1 pray God your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that collet h you who also will do it." (2 Thess. 5. 23, 24.)

Naperville, III., Oct. 10, 1882. R. Y.